President Edward Shevardnadze signed a symbolic cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia which acts as a reinforcement of independence from neighbouring Russia. Russia still has troops stationed in bases leased from Georgia.

A secessional movement of Vladislav Ardzinba tries for the independence of Abkhazia, the north-western tip of Georgia straddling the Black Sea. The Abkhaz are a distinct ethnic group which got Russian support in driving Georgian military out. Their "Republic" is not recognized internationally.